iDICE Startup Bridge To support 500+ Tech Entrepreneurs With Up To N10m Grants

The iDICE Startup Bridge Programme has officially launched, charting a clear pathway for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders across Nigeria to move from idea to validation, and from early traction to scale. Designed for nationwide impact, the initiative spans all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), widening access to structured support, resources, and potential grant funding to accelerate venture growth.

What is the iDICE Startup Bridge?

The iDICE Startup Bridge is a dedicated component of the broader Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme—an initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria. It is implemented through the Bank of Industry (BOI) and backed by major development finance partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). This collaboration is geared toward strengthening Nigeria’s innovation pipeline and expanding economic opportunities within the digital and creative sectors.

A National Pathway from Idea to Scale

At its core, the Startup Bridge provides a structured journey for founders at different stages, ensuring they receive the right kind of support at the right time:

• Idea: Shape and refine concepts into viable problem–solution fits.
• Validation: Test assumptions, engage early users, and demonstrate traction.
• Early Traction: Build repeatable processes and strengthen product–market fit.
• Scale: Expand operations, improve unit economics, and prepare for larger funding.

By standardizing this pathway across the country, the programme ensures inclusive access for entrepreneurs regardless of location, background, or sector focus within the digital and creative economy.

Governance and Funding

The programme’s governance leverages public–private collaboration. The Federal Government provides strategic direction through iDICE, while the Bank of Industry leads implementation. Development finance institutions—including AfDB, AFD, and IsDB—provide financing and technical support to enable sustainable, high-impact outcomes.

How Founders Stand to Benefit

Participants can expect a blend of capacity-building and catalytic support designed to reduce early-stage risk and accelerate growth. Key benefits may include:

• Capacity building: Practical training on product development, go-to-market, and growth operations.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced operators, investors, and industry experts.
• Access to finance: Grant support and pathways to additional funding as ventures mature.
• Market access: Exposure to customers, partners, and distribution channels.
• Community: A nationwide network of peers and collaborators across all 36 states and the FCT.

Aligned with the programme’s ambition, the iDICE Startup Bridge targets supporting more than 500 tech entrepreneurs nationwide, with grants of up to N10 million to help validate and scale promising ventures.

Who Should Apply

The programme is tailored for:

• Aspiring entrepreneurs with well-defined, technology-driven ideas.
• Early-stage founders demonstrating initial traction and clear market potential.
• Innovators operating in digital and creative sectors seeking structured support to grow.
• Teams based in any of Nigeria’s 36 states or the FCT aiming for national or regional scale.

What to Expect Next

Prospective participants should prepare to share concise overviews of their problem statements, target markets, validation metrics, and growth plans. Strong applications typically highlight clear customer needs, early traction indicators, and a realistic pathway to sustainability. As the programme’s rollout progresses, additional details on cohort timelines, selection processes, and support packages will be communicated through official channels.

With its nationwide reach and structured founder journey, the iDICE Startup Bridge is positioned to catalyze Nigeria’s next wave of high-potential startups—helping entrepreneurs transform validated ideas into scalable ventures that create jobs and drive inclusive growth.